§ 15. Mr. John Dugdaleasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether it is proposed to issue the ribbon of the 1939–43 Star to Allied seamen who have been serving in the British Merchant Navy for the requisite period.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Mr. Noel-Baker)It is contemplated that the issue of the ribbon to these men shall be governed by conditions similar to those set out in paragraph 6 of the White Paper, Cmd. 6463. That is to say, Allied nationals serving as members of the British Merchant Navy, other than those serving therein by virtue of their membership of an Allied Merchant Navy should be eligible for the 1939–43 Star as members of the British Merchant Navy, provided their services do not qualify them for similar awards from their own Governments. The Allied Governments may wish to make awards to their own nationals, and consultation with the Allied Governments concerned will, therefore, be necessary before a decision can be reached.
§ Mr. DugdaleIs the hon. Gentleman aware that his reply will give very great satisfaction to men who have fought gallantly beside our own sailors for a long period?